Fayetteville's Frank-E is how soulful hip-hop is supposed to sound. He is constantly working to perfect his craft and continuing to keep building his own sound. Becoming a rap artist was never a goal in Frank-E’s life.

It appeared after experiencing major depression after his last military deployment. Music brought him from that dark place, and without it Frank-E knows for a fact he would again land in that dark place. Check out this soulful hip-hop artist:

What Musical Genre Do You Feel Best Describes Your Music And How Would You Describe Your Sound?

My musical genre would be rap. I like to stay in tune with my own sound and vibe. Conscious rap is my thing, but I like to put a twist to it in ways so that it relates to younger cats as well. My sound is genuine and well spoken.

How Did You Get Your Name? Is There A Story?

My name is Eric Franklin and my nickname growing up was always E-low. After joining the Army, I had to make an adjustment to everyone calling you by your last name. For some reason everyone kept calling me “Frank” instead of “Franklin”, even my Drill Sergeants. So of course Frank stuck with me from that point on. As far as Frank-E, I wanted it to be original. I never wanted to be like the average person. The word Frank itself has meaning, so I added the first initial of my first name to keep my originality.

What Are or Have Been Your Musical Influences?

Jason, my older cousin, lived through music and I always admired his talent. For me to take it serious, it was just all about writing my thoughts down on paper.

What Are You Working On Now? Any Future Collaborations We Can Look Forward To?

I’m constantly working to perfect my craft. Working to keep building my own sound. Definitely stay on the lookout for new music. Yes, you can look forward to seeing me work with Jhene Aiko, Kevin Gates, Starlito, etc.

What Is Your Ultimate Goal In The Music Industry? What Is Your Plan Of Action?

Ima keep grinding for excellence. I’m my biggest critic.

What Is Your Favorite Track To Perform Live and Why?

Go Mode would be my favorite thus far to perform. Only because it’s not the “turn up” type of vibe, but it’s spoken in a way to have you vining to it. This my Mode and I’m on go!

What Has Been The Biggest Challenge In Your Career Thus Far?

Trying to maintain my musical passion and also take care of my personal life.

What’s Your Typical Songwriting Process?

I would play random beats until I hear something that reaches out to me the most. Every beat mentally gives me a word or phrase, so I generally talk about that subject or lead up to it. I don’t have to do any drugs, but I do like to my solitude while brainstorming.

How Has Social Media Influenced Your Career As An Artist?

Honestly I get more feedback from social media than expected, which makes me go harder!

Any Advice For Young People (Men or Women) That Want To Succeed In The Music World?

Focus more so on your passion for music, and less on money or fame.

What Would You Change In The Music Industry If You Were A Top Music Executive?

The fact that everybody looks and sounds the same. Music should be genuinely felt. I don’t feel like an artist should have to sound like another artist just to be heard.

How Do You Feel About Originality?

This is what I’m all about. Originality should be reflected and not copied. In today’s age, it’s almost like originality doesn’t matter anymore and it makes it harder for someone who is more original.

Is There Anything Else We Should Know About You Or That You Would Like to Add?

Becoming a rap artist was never a goal in my life. It appeared after experiencing major depression. I served time in the Army, which led to a deployment in Iraq. After my last deployment my life was different. The way I thought and the way I saw the world was different, but in negative ways. Medication, weed, liquor, or psychiatrist could mend me. I got tired of people telling me that I just needed someone to talk to, so I talked to myself... on paper. Music brought me from that dark place, and without it I know for a fact I would again land in that dark place.